This manual was developed to facilitate the initial training of a group of pre-retirement peer counselors and to introduce them to the basics of helping for clients facing pre-retirement issues. An introduction explains the use of the manual and urges users to complete suggested exercises when reading the manual. The next section lists learning goals and activities. The goals are followed by brief definitions of peer counseling and helping. The section entitled "Being" helps the user examine who he/she is and how this plays an important role in helping. Areas discussed include self-concept and self-esteem, assumptions, and reframing. The next section, "Doing", examines the skills necessary for effective counselling. Topics covered include: (1) active attending (listening skills, observation); (2) content and feelings; (3) core conditions; (4) problem solving; (5) assisting clients to action; (6) referrals and limitations; and (7) closing and termination. Solutions to exercises in the sections on reframing, content and feelings, and problem solving are appended. The manual concludes with a reading list for further study. (NB)